Offering sightseeing tours, public and student programs, private events, and corporate charters, Explorer is the world’s first green passenger riverboat.
Explorer Riverboat
While Allegheny and many of the surrounding counties have moved to the yellow phase under Governor Wolf’s reopening plan, Rivers of Steel is still required to remain closed to the public under these current regulations. Since the beginning of the stay-at-home orders, Rivers of Steel’s staff has been working from home, doing our best to plan for the time when we can safely reopen to the public. Additionally, we have been working to deliver engaging content to our online audiences. We welcome you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and please sign up for our newsletters using the submission form at the bottom of this page. Thank you for your interest in and support of Rivers of Steel. We value our community and hope that you are all doing what you can to take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Explorer
Docked on Pittsburgh’s North Shore near the headwaters of the Ohio River, the Explorer was designed and built to LEED standards to host the award-winning STEM student education programs now led by Rivers of Steel. An excursion on Explorer offers unparalleled opportunities to become immersed in Pittsburgh’s rich history while being surrounded by its natural beauty. All proceeds from the PGH 101: An Intro to Innovation sightseeing tours and from private charters help to underwrite Rivers of Steel’s STEM-based education programs for students throughout southwestern Pennsylvania.
PGH 101: An Intro to Innovation Riverboat Sightseeing Tour
Pittsburgh has a legacy of innovation! Discover how the region evolved to become the vibrant and tech-forward city it is today on this 90-minute riverboat sightseeing tour on the Explorer riverboat. Proceeds support STEM education programs.
Events & Workshops
In addition to guided sightseeing tours, Rivers of Steel offers specialty events and workshops on the boat, from bird-watching excursions to Photo Safaris. Check our calendar for upcoming events.
Education Programs
Rivers of Steel Education programs offer unique, inquiry-based opportunities for K–12 and university-level students to discover how southwestern Pennsylvania’s natural resources have shaped our industrial past and cultural heritage—and how our environment today impacts our region’s future.
Meetings & Events
Private and corporate charters can choose a custom route for their event or simply host a private sightseeing tour, led by a Rivers of Steel tour guide, along all three of Pittsburgh’s rivers.
Group Tours
Rivers of Steel offers a variety of ways for groups to experience our attractions – and locations throughout the eight-county National Heritage Area.
See our group tours page for more information on how to incorporate your specific interests and customize your group’s visit.
Location & Directions
Explorer docks docks on Pittsburgh’s North Shore at the Rivers of Steel Dock, near the headwaters of the Ohio River and adjacent to the Carnegie Science Center.
One of five Rivers of Steel attractions
that showcase the artistry and innovation of our region’s rich heritage.
